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We Hopped the Fence and Found the 12 Best Things to Do Near Houston, TX

things-to-do-near-houston-tx

Just the other week, I was itching for a break from city life, so I hit the road for a day trip to Galveston Island. As soon as the salty air whipped through my hair and I heard the sounds of laughter and seagulls filling the air, I knew the drive was worth it! 

It turns out, Houston’s got some pretty cool neighbors, each with their own unique charm.  So whether you’re craving a beachy escape, a dose of small-town charm, or an adrenaline rush, let’s explore the best things to do near Houston! 

Visit the Moody Gardens 

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Website: https://www.moodygardens.com/ 

Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX

Contact Details: (409) 744-4673

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM; Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM

Admission Costs: Day passes start at $80 

The Moody Gardens is a fun, educational destination in Galveston, about an hour’s drive from downtown Houston. It’s a great place to visit for families with children! Here, you’ll learn plenty about conservation and wildlife through fun activities. 

From the outside, you’ll see pyramids, two of which are definitely worth exploring: the Rainforest Pyramid where you’ll find and learn about different plants and animals, and the Aquarium Pyramid where you’ll learn all about marine life. 

After a day of exploration, give yourself time to play! You can try the ropes course and zip line for a pump of adrenaline or experience the state-of-the-art 3D and 4D Theaters! For something more relaxing, you can splash around in Palm Beach instead. 

Pro Tips: Because there’s so much to do at Moody Gardens, consider purchasing a one-day Value Pass to experience all the attractions! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy shoes are a must.

 Visit the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

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Website: https://www.pleasurepier.com/ 

Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 

Contact Details: (855) 789-7437

Operating Hours: Friday – 4 PM to 8 PM; Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM; Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM; Monday to Thursday – Closed 

Admission Costs: Passes start at $12 

Galveston Island Historic Park is a great idea for a fun day in the sun near Houston.  This awesome spot has all the classic amusement park excitement you could ask for, from rides to games and yummy food! 

The Iron Shark roller coaster will have those who enjoy thrilling rides screaming, for sure! The much more relaxed Galaxy Wheel ferris wheel gives amazing views of the Gulf (but be prepared for a bit of a wait at times). 

You can also test your skills at games like Whack-a-Mole, Ring Toss, or Balloon Pop! And when you need a break, you can take a stroll down the pier, enjoy the sea breeze, or grab a bite to eat! Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and other food stands are available here. 

Pro Tip: 
Don’t forget to leave the bottled water and glass containers behind at home! They’re not allowed in the pier. If you have special dietary needs or baby formula, chat with Guest Relations before entering the park! 

Spend a Day in Kemah Boardwalk 

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Website: http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/ 

Address: 15 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 

Contact Details: (281) 535-8100

Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday, Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM; Thursday to Friday – 12 PM to 9 PM; Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM

Admission Costs: Passes start at $22.99

Just 30 miles away from Downtown Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is an awesome theme park along the Texas Gulf Coast. It’s like a giant playground with plenty of rides, games, and dining options. 

The Boardwalk Bullet, a unique wooden roller coaster, and The Aviator, a rotating swing that goes really high, are both must-rides! For something thrilling on the water, you can go a wild ride on the Boardwalk Beast speedboat!  

If that sounds too much for you, you can simply grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants with waterfront views, or  just take a nostalgic stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the sights and sounds!

Pro Tips: 
Budget wisely: Games and activities can add up, so set a budget before you go!

Make it a weekend trip and stay at the Boardwalk Inn!  

 Go Shopping in Katy Mills 

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Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/katy-mills 

Address: 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 

Contact Details: (281) 644-5000

Operating Hours: Monday, Friday, Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM; Tuesday to Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM

Katy Mills Mall is a great alternative to The Galleria! It’s not as massive but it’s still a stone’s throw away from Houston. This mall has over 175 stores (less than half of The Galleria’s), so you can still shop til you drop without getting too overwhelmed. 

What makes this mall great is that it has outlet stores where you can score awesome deals on brands like Kate Spade, Aldo, and Coach. You’ll also find everything from clothes and shoes to handbags and home goods! 

And when your tummy starts rumbling, the food court has you covered with yummy options like Korean corn dogs, bubble tea, and all your classic mall favorites. Restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Rainforest Cafe can also be found here. 

Pro Tips: 
Not all stores are outlets, so check the signs before you get too excited about a price!

This mall also has a movie theater and a carousel, so it’s a great place to hang out and bring the kids! 

 Have Drinks at No Label Brewing Co.

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Website: http://www.nolabelbrew.com/ 

Address: 5351 1st St, Katy, TX 

Contact Details: 

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 3 PM to 10 PM; Friday – 12 PM to 12 AM; Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM; Sunday – 7 AM to 8 PM 

Admission Costs:

No Label Brewing Co. in Katy is a nice spot for drinks near Houston! With award-winning beers, food trucks, and live music on weekends, it’s a great place to unwind and have some fun.   

You can go on a tour of the brewery and learn how they make their delicious craft beer, or even sample a few different brews to find your favorite! And if you’re a malt liquor fan, you’re in luck – they have it on tap!

There’s a playground where kiddos can run around and have a blast while you enjoy a cold one! This family-friendly brewery is a safe space for your kids to play and for their grownups to relax in the spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas. 

Pro Tip: 
No Label has a running club, so if you’re into fitness and brews, you might just fit right in! 

Visit the Tomball Farmers Market 

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Website: https://www.tomballfarmersmarket.org/ 

Address: 205 W Main St, Tomball, TX 

Contact Details: (832) 422-5669

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, Sunday – Closed; Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM

Tomball Farmers Market is a great place near Houston to support local businesses! Just 40 miles away from downtown, it’s open every Saturday, rain or shine. This gem may be a small and humble market, but there’s plenty to see, do, and eat! 

You’ll find all sorts of seasonal goodies, from tomatoes and lettuce to berries and melons, so get ready to fill your baskets with goods straight from local farms! You can also grab freshly baked bread and cookies (don’t miss the French pastries too). 

But this market isn’t just about food and produce–you’ll find all kinds of unique handcrafted treasures, like beautiful jewelry, handmade soaps, cool home decor, and one-of-a-kind artwork! 

Pro Tip: After you’ve filled your bags with goodies, take a stroll through Old Town Tomball. It’s full of charming shops, antique stores, and restaurants waiting to be explored!

Catch a Show at Crighton Theatre

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Website: https://www.crightontheatre.org/ 

Address: 234 N Main St, Conroe, TX 

Contact Details: (936) 441-7469

Admission Costs: Show tickets start at $20

Crighton Theater is a historic gem in Conroe that’s been wowing audiences since the 1930s. From vaudeville acts to modern musicals, this place has done it all! The beautiful stage makes every performance feel special and worth the 40-mile drive from downtown! 

When you catch a show, you’ll feel transported back to another time!  This beautifully restored theater hosts all sorts of amazing family-friendly productions, from musicals like Beauty and the Beast and Grease to shows put on by local theater groups and youth programs. 

Before the curtain rises, you can also take a stroll through the theater and check out the cool exhibits. You’ll see artifacts from the 1930s and learn all about the history of this amazing place. 

Pro Tip: The theater may look fancy, but the dress code is generally casual. Come in comfy clothes and enjoy the show!

Go Skydiving at Skydive Houston 

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Website: https://www.skydivehouston.com/ 

Address: 15599 Plain View Dr, Waller, TX 

Contact Details: (832) 622-6181

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Admission Costs: Prices start at $209 per person

Located just a short drive from downtown, this skydiving center is a great place to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time jumper, get ready for an adventure that will take your breath away (literally!).

If you’re afraid of heights, this is the perfect way to conquer your fears and prove to yourself that you can do anything! You can try doing a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet where you’ll freefall through the air at incredible speeds. 

Not quite ready to jump out of a plane? No problem! You can still enjoy the excitement by watching others skydive. It’s a great way to get a feel for the experience and maybe even get inspired to take the leap yourself one day.

Pro Tip: 
Get the video and photo package so you can relive your jump again and again (and show off to your friends!).

Have BBQ at Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q

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Website: https://rudysbbq.com/location/detail/houston-i45n-spring-tx 

Address: 20806 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX

Contact Details: (281) 288-0916

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM; Friday to Saturday – 7 AM to 10 PM 

When it comes to Texas barbecue, it’s hard to judge which joint is the best, but Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q is a very strong contender! Don’t expect fancy tablecloths and tableware at this spot–this is where you come to get your hands dirty and your belly full of barbecued meat.

This restaurant is famous for its brisket that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Many praise it as one of the best in Texas and we agree–it’s a must-try! Don’t forget to pair it with a loaded baked potato–they’re huge and piled high with toppings!  

Of course, no barbecue feast is complete without some classic sides. The coleslaw is crisp and refreshing, and their potato salad is creamy and delicious. They’re the perfect partners in crime for your barbecue feast.

Pro Tip: Rudy’s can get busy, so be prepared to wait in line. But don’t worry, it moves fast!

Outlet Shopping at Tanger Outlets 

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Website: https://www.tanger.com/houston 

Address: 5885 Gulf Fwy, Texas City, TX

Contact Details: (281) 534-4200

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM; Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM

Tanger Outlets Houston is an awesome place to score some nice deals on fancy brands without the fancy price tags! A less than an hour drive from downtown, this outlet is a savvy shopper’s paradise with brand-name and designer stores at affordable prices. 

You’ll find everything from stylish handbags and shoes to trendy clothes and accessories. You can look forward to huge discounts on brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Gap, Old Navy, and more! 

What’s great about this mall is that it’s less crowded than other nearby malls so you can have a relaxed shopping experience. You can browse at your own pace and enjoy the hunt for the perfect discounted find! 

Pro Tips:

Sign up for the TangerClub to maximize your savings and enjoy exclusive benefits.Check the mall directory online before you go so you can plan your shopping route and hit all your favorite stores.

Visit the Brazos Bend State Park 

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Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend 

Address: 21901 Farm to Market Rd 762, Needville, TX 

Contact Details: (979) 553-5101

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM

Brazos Bend State Park is a massive state park packed with fun things to see and do. It’s a great place to escape the city and reconnect with nature, less than 50 minutes away from downtown Houston!  

This park is known for its large population of alligators, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled to find them! But that’s not all – you can also spot over 300 species of birds, along with other cool critters like deer, armadillos, and even river otters. 

You can also put on your hiking boots and explore the many trails that wind through the park, like the Spillway Trail for awesome views of the wetlands or around Creekfield Lake! You can also cast a line in the lakes and go fishing.

Pro Tip: 
For a truly out-of-this-world experience, head to the George Observatory!. You can gaze at the stars through powerful telescopes and learn all about space science! Make sure to reserve your spot. 

Visit the San Jacinto Museum 

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Website: https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/ 

Address: 1 Monument Cir, La Porte, TX

Contact Details: (281) 479-2421

Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM; Monday to Tuesday – Closed

Admission Costs:

The towering San Jacinto Monument stands as a tribute to a pivotal moment in Texas history. It’s a great place to visit for history buffs near Houston! 

You can head inside the tower and explore the museum where you’ll learn all about the Battle of San Jacinto. Then, you can take a ride in the elevator all the way to the top to see panoramic views of the Houston Ship Channel and the nearby areas. 

You can also check the monument’s schedule for special events like festivals and historical reenactments. This place is a reminder of the brave men and women who fought for independence, so make sure to take a moment to reflect on their courage! 

Pro Tip: 
Grab a bite to eat at the nearby Monument Inn or take a ride on the Lynchburg Ferry for even more fun! 
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